MOSCOW, Jan 3: The United States’ sudden military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, drew strong international condemnation.
President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, describing it as a “large-scale strike” carried out with US law enforcement.
He added that the US would remain deeply involved in determining Venezuela’s future.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, face new charges in New York related to a narco-terrorism conspiracy, with US authorities accusing them of facilitating massive cocaine trafficking into the United States and enriching Venezuela’s political and military elite.
Russia condemned the operation as “deeply concerning” and a clear violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.
Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council, stated that Venezuela posed no military, humanitarian, criminal, or drug-related threat to the United States, making the military action illegitimate.
Moscow emphasized that international disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than unilateral military force.
Russia reaffirmed solidarity with Venezuela, supporting its right to self-determination and territorial integrity, and backed calls for an urgent UN Security Council meeting to address the crisis.
Cuba described the U.S. strike as a “criminal attack” and “state terrorism” against Latin America and Venezuela.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel called for an immediate international response, while Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez labeled the US military action cowardly and unjustified, stressing that Venezuela had not posed any threat to the United States.
Iran also strongly condemned the operation, calling it a “flagrant violation” of Venezuelan sovereignty and international law.
Tehran reaffirmed Venezuela’s right to defend its territory and self-determination, urging the international community to stop what it described as a US invasion.
China expressed shock and firm opposition to the operation, criticizing the U.S. for threatening peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean, and called for strict adherence to the UN Charter.
The European Union urged de-escalation and respect for international law.
EU Council President Antonio Costa stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas coordinated with US officials and the EU ambassador in Caracas to ensure the safety of European citizens in Venezuela.
These reactions reveal widespread international concern over unilateral military intervention.
Leaders from Russia, Cuba, Iran, China, and the EU stressed Venezuela’s right to decide its future without foreign interference and urged diplomacy and dialogue.
Many called for urgent action through the UN Security Council, warning that the US operation could set a dangerous precedent and destabilize Latin America, highlighting the global demand for lawful, peaceful solutions over military escalation. (Agencies)
